Top level revamp set after retirement of 2 AFP senior officers

MANILA, Philippines — The retirement of two senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including its number two man, has triggered a top-level revamp in the military organization.

AFP chief of staff General Jessie Dellosa said on Sunday that President Benigno Aquino III  has approved the designation of Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes as the new AFP vice chief of staff, replacing Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, who left the military service on Oct. 19, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Prior to his appointment as vice chief of staff, Coballes was the commander of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, which has jurisdiction over the military operations in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga.

Dellosa said the regular movement in the military hierarchy was “a vast opportunity to continue building a stronger and a more professional military organization.”

“Always keep the fire of professionalism, excellence and commitment burning to ensure that the AFP effectively and efficiently fulfills its mandate,” the AFP chief reminded the military officers.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1980, Coballes once served as the commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division and was a recipient of two “Distinguished Conduct Stars,” the second highest military honor in the AFP.

Major Gen. Rey Ardo, head of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, has been designated to take over Coballes’ post at the Western Mindanao Command.

In turn, Ardo will be replaced by Major Gen. Ceasar Ronnie Ordoyo, the current chief of the Intelligence Service of the AFP, at the 6th ID.

Meanwhile, Major Gen. Raul Dimatatac has been named vice commander of the Philippine Air Force, succeeding Major Gen. Renato Lorenzo Sanchez, who is set to retire on Oct. 26.

Dimatatac’s post as Chief of Air Staff has been given to Brig. Gen. Wilfredo Ona, the current deputy commander of the 3rd Air Division.

Brig. Gen. Edgar Fallorina was tasked to assume Ona’s positition and will be replaced as commander of the 520th Air Base Wing by Col. John Oliviamor Estabillo.

Nine other senior AFP officers were also given new assignments by the President, Dellosa said.